Printed on 4/21/2026
For informational purposes only. This is not medical advice.
The Saint Louis University Mental Status (SLUMS) exam is a 30-point cognitive screening tool used to identify possible mild cognitive impairment and dementia-range cognitive deficits in older adults. It is commonly used in primary care, geriatrics, and neurology-adjacent workflows as a screening step before comprehensive diagnostic assessment.
Formula: SLUMS total is the summed test score, range 0-30.
SLUMS interpretation should be education-adjusted to avoid over-calling impairment in lower-education groups.
Lower SLUMS totals indicate greater cognitive concern and support timely follow-up with structured cognitive and functional evaluation.
Use for older adults with memory or cognition concerns during outpatient screening, follow-up, or care-transition reviews.
Education, language, sensory deficits, and acute illness can influence performance; results should be interpreted in context.
For related assessments, see MoCA Score, MMSE Score and Mini-Cog.
Disclaimer: This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about your health.
Interpret Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores. The leading cognitive screening tool for mild cognitive impairment and dementia.
Mental HealthInterpret Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores. The classic cognitive screening test for dementia, scoring 0–30.
GeriatricsScreen for possible cognitive impairment using delayed 3-word recall plus clock drawing (score 0-5).
GeriatricsRapid bedside cognitive screen assessing visuospatial and executive function through a structured clock drawing task.